School’s kind tribute to tragic mum
Auchinraith present hospital with cheque
Kind-hearted pupils from a Blantyre school stepped back in time and gifted £4500 to Hairmyres Hospital as a result.
Auchinraith Primary held an 80sthemed fundraiser to celebrate the life of a pupil’s mum who passed away earlier this year.
Mandy Shannon – who was mum to Ross (10), Teri (14) and Paul (24) – died in the intensive care unit at Hairmyres following a brave battle with liver disease at the age of just 46.
Her death left school staff eager to help and keen to give a little something back to the hospital that had cared for Mandy.
Auchinraith head teacher Julie Mcculloch explained: “We were all shocked and deeply saddened when we found out that Ross’s mum Mandy had died.
“The school community wanted to support the family and we decided to hold a charity day in her memory.
“We also wanted to raise money for Hairmyres Hospital to thank the doctors and nurses who provided excellent care and treatment.”
Mandy’s husband, John Houston, was touched by the school’s support.
He said: “This has been a very emotional time for our family and we are very grateful for the support we have received from both the school and Hairmyres Hospital.
“Mandy was very proud of Paul, Teri and Ross and she would be even more proud of the strength of character they have shown since her untimely passing.
“We were so touched when Mrs Mcculloch suggested they would like to do something to honour Mandy’s memory, she would have loved the 80s day.”
The charity day had a series of 80s-themed events, including a Rubik’s cube challenge, and ended with a balloon release in the playground.
Auchinraith then organised a special presentation where they invited staff from Hairmyres to accept the cheque.
Dr Helen Mackie, chief of medical services at Hairmyres Hospital, said: “I would like to thank all the pupils, parents and teachers at Auchinraith Primary School for all their hard work and for thinking of us in their fundraising efforts.
“Hairmyres is the local hospital for the school, and it is good to have a link with the communities we serve. Hopefully we won’t see too many of the pupils as patients, but we would very much like them to come and work with us one day.
“The money will come handy for ward 11.
“We will use it to purchase additional equipment to enhance patient care and experience.” in very
We are very grateful for the support we have received